The 2010 legislative session opened on Monday and things have gotten off to a quick start. After hearing from the Governor and Chief Justice, the House will be approving a package of education bills before we go home this week to help strengthen our k-12 schools and protect property tax payers. My priorities this year also include balancing the budget and creating good jobs. I encourage you to contact me with your ideas and suggestions.

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Calendar of Events

January 25, 2010, 5:30-6:30 p.m., a new Grief Share Group will be meeting at 502 Plaza Heights Road in Marshalltown (Iowa River Hospice Home). Please enter through the staff entrance. Grief Share is intended for those who are dealing with the recent loss of a loved one. Please note, dinner to be provided. Grief Share will meet the last Monday of each month. If you have questions, please call Iowa River Hospice at 641-753-7704. Films @ the Library: Join other area adults in viewing and discussing a classic film in the Marshalltown library's Community Meeting Room. All films will start at 6:30p.m. Tom LaVille will lead our discussions. Thursday, January 28: The Natural (1984) Thursday, February 25: The Searchers (1956) Thursday, March 4: The Usual Suspects (1995) Thursday, March 25: Singin' in the Rain (1952) Films have been selected for an adult audience -- these programs are not suitable for children.

Helpful Information

The Central Iowa Art Association offers classes, volunteer opportunities, and art shows every month. Please check their website for a detailed calendar: www.centraliowaartassociation.com .

A new local information hotline regarding H1N1 vaccinations has been established at 641-754-5005. Information is available in English and Spanish.

The 2010 Census will create hundreds of jobs across the State of Iowa. If you are interested or know someone who is, you may call the Census at 866-861-2010. Please mention this opportunity to anyone you know who is looking for a great employment opportunity.

Marshalltown Community Theater offers a wonderful opportunity to see local talent perform in productions throughout the year. To see a complete schedule of coming shows check out their website at: www.mctonline.org .

The Marshall County Conservation Board invites preschoolers who are - accompanied by an adult- to Nature’s Story Hour the first and third Wednesday of each month. Location is the Grimes Farm & Conservation Center, 2359 233rd Street at 10 a.m. For more information, contact Diane Pixler at 641-752-5490.

Iowa River Hospice hosts a Grief Healers Support Group, Common Bonds, Spousal Support group, and Grief Share Group in different locations in Marshalltown, Iowa. “Grief is a healthy and natural response to death.” It is difficult to process. “Come join us in our journey of healing”, Iowa River Hospice. If you have, questions please call 753-7704.

There are hosts of agencies to assist with a number of issues that you and your family may be facing. These agencies are often a member of the Marshalltown Area United Way. For a list of agencies, go to www.unitedwaymarshalltown.org.

Compassionate Friends a support group created to help people following the death of a child meets the first Tuesday of every month. The Marshalltown Group meets at the First Friends Church, at 2409 South 6 Street, Marshalltown, Iowa at 7:30 p.m.

The first Tuesday night of every month, the Marshalltown Cancer Support Group meets at the Congregational Church, 312-west Main. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. Enter through the west door.

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Legislature Takes Quick Action to Assist Schools

The House acted quickly in the first week of session to assist education by approving a package of bills to strengthen education for our students and to protect property tax payers.

Race to the Top
One piece of the package, already signed by Governor Culver, was necessary in order for Iowa to be eligible for as much as $175 million in federal funds to ensure that Iowa students are prepared to compete in the 21st century. The program is designed to improve student achievement and help to turn around Iowa’s lowest achieving schools. This legislation amended Iowa’s laws in some areas in order to qualify for the funding. The federal government required states, wishing to be considered for funding under the Race to the Top program, to show that a number of initiatives are in place in law when applying. Iowa already has a number of the required components in its law, which made it easier for Iowa to put together an application for the funds.

If approved for the grant, the funding will be used to help Iowa schools be more innovative in learning programs, work more easily with other school districts to provide programs, and begin turning around Iowa’s lowest achieving schools. Read More

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Supporting Iowa’s Military Families

In an effort to support military families, the House Veterans Affairs Committee approved a measure this week to provide unemployment insurance benefits for the spouse of military personnel forced to leave their job due to a military reassignment or a spouse called to active duty.

House Study Bill 538 intends to support middle class military families who need extra assistance while a military family member is away or in transition. The benefits will be paid out of the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund. Read More

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Insurers Must Cover Routine Care for Cancer Trials

Health insurance companies will be required to pay for routine care of cancer patients in clinical trials if a bill passed by the House Commerce Committee is eventually enacted into law.

Health insurers say they already cover these costs, but policies differ, disputes happen, and coverage is still denied. This leaves cancer patients confused and fearful that their insurer will drop them if they join a clinical trial. Read More

Legislature Rolls Out Health Care Bill

Disaster Recovery Efforts Continue

Criminal Code Committee Suggests Public Safety Board

AMBER Alerts – Getting the Correct Information

Scholarship for the Arts Grant Applications Due